By rdnewsNOW staff

"Go Blue"

October is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Oct 9, 2023 | 12:30 PM

October is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) is encouraging all Albertans to wear blue on Oct. 24 to help spread awareness of a growing issue in the province.

CACAC officials say recent numbers from several provincial and national entities have shown a sharp rise in the reporting of abuse. Cybertip.ca, a member of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, reported early in 2023 that reports of online sexual luring were up 815 per cent over the last five years (https://www.cybertip.ca/en/campaigns-and-media/news-releases/2023/).

In an annual report published by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), CACAC officials say it was reported that more than 17.8 Million Child Sex Abuse Materials (photos and videos) were found in Alberta over the past five years (https://alert-ab.ca/annualreport/).

Based on previous research and current population, the CACAC says it is estimated that 325,000 children are currently experiencing sexual abuse in Alberta. Statistically, 1-in-3 Canadians have experienced a form of child abuse.

CACAC officials further notes the rise in cases and materials has been seen in Central Alberta as well. Since 2017, the CACAC says it has provided over 10,000 supports to children, youths, and families. More than 1,300 Child Forensic Interviews have taken place, going back to 2017 with their very first interview.

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Since the launch of their Public Building Campaign earlier this year, service teams at the CACAC have been busier than ever, officials point out. From January to September of this year, more than 1,000 children and youths have been supported at the CACAC.

“This is why we do what we do, and have been working as hard as we have been fundraising in the community,” says Mark Jones, CEO. “The need is growing every year, and we’ve been busier than ever before. We have been raising money to build the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence, and if anyone is ever wondering why we need a Centre like this – this is why.”

“It’s an issue that is not going to go away on its own, and it’s not going to go away overnight,” ADDS Jones. “We all wish it would. But the reality is these children and families need our help. By taking part in our Go Blue awareness campaign during October, you’re spreading awareness of the issues, and something as simple as that could change a child’s life.”

On Oct. 24, individuals, businesses, teams, and other community organizations are encouraged to find ways to “Go Blue”. The CACAC says the simplest way is to wear blue on October 24th, post a picture of yourself wearing blue, and post it with the hashtag #GoBlueAB.

The CACAC says other businesses are taking part all month by offering blue products, or lighting up their businesses with blue lighting. Look for blue lights on October 24th at Red Deer City Hall, the community of Capstone in Red Deer, the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic, and the Rotary Lighthouse in Sylvan Lake.

Businesses supporting the #GoBlue initiative for the month of October include Bo’s Bar & Stage, Troubled Monk, and the newly-opened retro-style bowling alley The Gutter in Red Deer.

The Red Deer Rebels have also joined in, placing “1-in-3” Blue heart decals on every 3rd seat throughout the Peavey Mart Centrium, which will remain there for the entire month of October.

If you or your business would like to get involved with the CACAC for #GoBlueAB or Child Abuse Prevention Month, reach out to Alyssa Barthel, Director of Community Development at abarthel@centralalbertacac.ca.